I Am Auckland awards recognise local youth work

As
part of becoming the ‘world’s most liveable city’,
Auckland Council, the Youth Advisory Panel and The Cube are
holding the inaugural I Am Auckland Awards.

The awards
recognise the work of individuals and youth organisations
which support children and young people. Local artist Lorde
has shown her support for the awards in an online video,
found here: bit.ly/iamauckland

2014 Young New
Zealander of the Year Parris Goebel has encouraged young
people to vote for their heroes. “I wouldn’t have been
able to do any of this without the people who have moulded
me and made me believe in myself,” she says. “This is an
amazing opportunity to give back to the people who have
helped us reach our dreams.”

The awards mark the launch
of the I Am Auckland strategic action plan, which sets goals
that will dramatically accelerate the prospects of children
and young people across the region. Led by the Youth
Advisory Panel, the plan was developed using the feedback of
thousands of children and young people, ensuring the
opinions of Auckland’s youth are considered in community
and civic decision-making.

“I Am Auckland challenges
society to put children and young people first,” says
Youth Advisory Panel Chairperson Flora Apulu. “Those who
work with youth know what this means, and it’s evident in
the hard work they do and the lives they change. It’s
important for us to support and recognise these people and
organisations as they inspire and empower our youth to reach
their full potential.”

Multi-faceted organisation The
Cube encourages youth-led development, and Director
Catherine Cooper is excited to be working with local youth
in delivering the I Am Auckland awards.

“The awards are
developed and facilitated by young people,” she says.
“They give young people the opportunity to recognise the
importance of youth workers and youth organisations, and
vote on those that are doing truly great work.”

The
awards will raise awareness of the goals of the I Am
Auckland plan and encourage individuals and youth
organisations to work towards achieving these. Nominations
can be made online at www.iamauckland.co.nz, and are judged by
the Youth Advisory Panel based on each of the I Am Auckland
plan’s goals. Winners will be announced at the I Am
Auckland action plan launch in July.

The I Am Auckland
plan will guide Auckland’s development over the next 30
years. “It offers the opportunity for young people to be
completely involved in shaping the future they will belong
to,” says Flora. “It’s a future that is not only
meaningful for them, but also for their families and the
communities.”

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